Messages

1

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Hyper-pigmentation & Other

« on: February 10, 2013, 10:41:05 AM »

Hello Sarah,
Earlier last year, I had a different method of single needling my stretch marks. It was quick and appeared to work. Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention to the damages (minor, but accumulated after a few sessions). So, once I began my single needle sessions again, I decided not to do my technique. Instead I use Sarah’s instructions; it’s extremely time consuming I have a ton of stretch marks) but I feel that this is a safer way without adding more damage.

I began my needling sessions again in December 2012 on my legs and breast. So far,

•Derma-roller on 12/24/12
•Single needled stretch marks on 12/30/12
•Derma-roller on 1/21/13
•Singled needled stretch marks from 1/26/13-1/29/13

Now there are questions:

1.My breast and some small spots on legs have hyper-pigmentation on every area that I have derma-rolling since 12/24/12. I was hoping that it was temporary, but there is still a noticeable dark area.  I don’t think it is because I rolled to hard because I don’t press hard (derma-rolling is painful). Since the skin is thinner on the breast, could it be the 1.5 mm roller (I’ve used this before without issue though)?

2.Unlike my own technique, I get a lot of bruising, which I read to be a good thing, from single needling. The bruising (deep blue-black bruising in some areas) last at least 14 days, which I thought was a little odd, but I do bruise easily even with a skin type of Fitzpatrick V. Is that normal?
 
3.Also, I had an accident which caused several scars, but 1 would not heal seamlessly into my skin. Since it was on a spot on my knee that kept bending, the sore kept opening, so it took a longer time to heal. It ended up a hypertrophic scar. 4 months after the scar I decided to place a silicone sheet on it to flatten it in October. Then, when I began singled needling sessions, I would prick it from time to time (derma-rolling hurt to bad).  Have I read correctly that single needling will help flatten the scar (note: I have gotten the scar almost completely flat)?

4.Also, the scar of my knee is rough (extremely dry and thicken skin). I can pick at the scar and flakes of skin with come off. What do you think that is? How can I improve that area?

Thanks in advance for answering. For ease of reading, my questions are in bold.

2

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Recent Deep Scars

« on: July 15, 2012, 09:14:00 PM »

Hello Sarah,

I was making progress on my stretch marks and was needling almost on schedule until Mid June. I had a horrendous accident which left me with scarring on my left elbow, both knees, left shin and both feet. It wouldn’t be such a big issue if it hadn’t left shiny scar tissue (sort of like being burned) and a TON of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. It took almost 3 weeks for the final scab to fall off, so, I didn’t do anything to my skin at all. I am so depressed at this point because I have so many stretch marks that where just starting sort of blend more and 2 huge surgery scars on my right leg (major knee surgery)  . These scars (new and old) along with other major life problems have put my emotions to the ringer. I feel ridiculous at times for having these feelings when there are other worldly issues that should be a priority, but I can’t help it. I have been heavily  scarred since I was 16 years old and I finally discovered something that could possible lessen my scars appearance, but to add these very deep new scars really is sending my emotions into a whirl spin. Honestly, if it was just stretch marks then I would more than likely not be so frustrated, but this is added too so many other types of body scarring, etc is a bit overwhelming. I am just tired of never being able to wear shorts or skirts (stopped when I was 16 due to scarring).

My Question: Although I know that my body will continue to heal itself for up to a year, I know (through experience) that the type of deep scarring that I have will remain shiny long after the final healing stage has completed. So, could I just needle these new scars to reduce the shiny appearance of the scars? The scars are about 1 month old.

3

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Hyperpigmentation Moisturizing Skin

« on: May 15, 2012, 12:38:19 AM »

Hi Sarah,

Although my stretch marks improvements that I was sooo excited about has somewhat diminished. My progress on my stretch marks has definitely improved since committing to needle or roll at least 1x per month. Even though the improvements are not as profound as January, I am extremely grateful that there is some type of REAL treatment for stretch marks without costing me my first born child. Everyday life has stopped me from needling as frequent as I would like, but I am just happy at least I AM doing it. I roll then wait 8 weeks. Needle then wait 8 weeks, but I always do needle or roll. For example: March…single needle, April….derma roll, May…single needle, etc.  

My questions:

I single needled my mass of stretch marks on  3/16 & 3/17 (last month I derma rolled) and I really believe that I pricked too many times because I still have hyperpigmentation as of 5/14 on a lot of needled areas of stretch marks:). I don’t know if it’s superficial pigmentation problem or a deep pigmentation issue. I am nervous because it is at least 2 shades darker than the surrounding skin. I always alternate and apply .5% Retin A and 20% Vitamin C. Do you think that I should keep applying Retin A on those areas for a few more months or start incorporating hydroquinone?  

Also, I find myself failing to moisturize my skin even after I have just single needle. I know it is the best to moisturize, but I just have been terrible.  Is the purpose of moisturizing only add a barrier (which is important after needling and seal in moisture) and minimize the flaking of skin after rolling? If not, please tell me.

As always…thanks.

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Dermarolling / Microneedling / Is such fast progress really possible?

« on: February 09, 2012, 03:03:53 PM »

Sarah,

Thanks for your response because based on that I believe that my results are possibly real, but I will wait.

I am giving this method a 6 month trial. I don’t want to post the method just, yet, in case someone uses it and it results in more scar tissue (I would feel horrible). So, I’m the guinea pig, but I am basically using/doing everything that you suggested in one of the threads about treatment of stretch marks regarding pre and post treatment of the skin (except I don’t hardly moisturize). I only use your single needle in a different way. I also forgot to mention that I do use copper peptide mask for the first week post single needling.

I should also clarify the word “GREAT.” Of course, it’s subjective because someone else may think my results are mediocre, but I am totally happy with my progress with the little time that has been vested this year.

I am keeping very detailed records and pics. So, I will personally email you a detailed list of what I have done and before/ after pictures of each of my single needling and derma-rolling session when I am finished.

5

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Is such fast progress really possible?

« on: February 04, 2012, 11:05:28 PM »

Hi,

Although I have ordered my first set of supplies from your shop back in 2010, I have not consistently or completely needled all of my  stretch marks until 2012 (did most). I have sooooo many stretch marks on, mainly, my legs that it was painstaking to single needle my marks. With family, work, studies, and recreational activities, I felt like I would finish needling in about 6 months at my pace. So, I lost motivation and confidence and eventually stopped in 2010. I couldn’t even roll my marks because it hurt far worse than the single needle and numbing large areas felt like a bit much and any time spent really needed to be on cleaning/sterilizing and needling.

So, I have been using your single needle, but in a different way than you suggest in order for me to have most of my marks needled in 2 days. I also got so excited and couldn’t wait on my new 1.5 mm roller, peptide, and extra single needles that I ordered this year that I ended up single needling first and then 7 days after the 1.5 mm derma-roller arrived I rolled (won’t  that again though).  Well, I apply Vitamin C and dry brush daily (did wait 2 weeks after I singled needled). I also use Retin A 2 times per week, but I don’t hardly moisturize (only did so for about 3 days after single needling). My skin care routine is hectic and I prioritize things.  I feel like my stretch marks have made GREAT improvements in less than a month (single needled on 1/15/12 and derma-rolled on 1/22/12).

Is it all in my mind or is it possible to see stretch marks feel less indented and be less visual in less than a month? I’ve never heard of results in such a short period of time before which is why I ask is it possible.

6

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Pre Post Serum After Skin Needling

« on: January 22, 2012, 12:44:10 AM »

Sarah.. thanks for your reply.

Firefox7275... thanks for suggesting the site. I have been there numerous times before, but I have never heard or browsed that section.

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Dermarolling / Microneedling / Pre Post Serum After Skin Needling

« on: January 13, 2012, 07:29:38 PM »

Thanks. I also have another question.

I read on a product site (that I no longer frequent) that that I should not use copper-peptides and vitamin C together or within 12 hours of each other because vitamin C inactivates itself when used with a peptide. I don't really trust information from that site to be correct anymore. Before I  did my own research and aware of the companies false claims, I purchased products that were ineffective and expensive. In fact, there was a post on this forum that led me to question the effectiveness of the product that I had purchased. Then, after using it for months, it reaffirmed that the company mislead me.

I was so tired of being tricked that I started creating and researching to make my own cream/serum  (only for my personal use). Last night, I combined 5% Tripeptide-5, 10% Vitamin C, 5% Niacinamide, 5% Licorice Extract, 4% Retinol, 5% Green Tea Extract, 5% Alpha Arbutin, and  the remainder was water. I remember today that I read that I shouldn't mix/apply vitamin c and peptides together, which is the reason for my first post on this forum. I accidently mixed up the question regarding vitamin A, but it should have been about peptide because I forgot about it. I only remember that Vitamin C clashed with a ingredient, but I couldn't remember which ingredient, so, I thought it was Vitamin A. Could peptide and vitamin C be combined together?

8

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Pre Post Serum After Skin Needling

« on: January 07, 2012, 11:25:28 PM »

I know that Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has anti-inflammatory capabilities, but I can’t locate information on if it has mild anti-inflammatory activity on the skin. I also know that Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) has anti-inflammatory properties, but I believe that it is mild and the benefits of using it far outweighs any negative ones.

I use a homemade serum of 10% vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), niacinamide (vitamin b3), hyaluronic acid, and water on my skin nightly as my daily antioxidant regimen. I know that the possible downside of  hyaluronic acid (humectant) is that it can possibly draw moisture from the skin due to lack of humidity in the hair and vice versa, but  I love the way that it makes the formula into a slight gel like consistency.  

Is that mixture ok to use before and after needling my skin? I don’t want anything to interfere with the skin inflammation after needling because I have read how important that was.

Thanks.

9

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Applying Vitamin A (Besides Retin A) after Vitamin C

« on: January 05, 2012, 07:05:14 PM »

You have helped me yet, again. Thanks, Sarah.

10

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Applying Vitamin A (Besides Retin A) after Vitamin C

« on: December 30, 2011, 01:08:07 PM »

Thanks for your response.

Regarding the vitamin C, so other forms of vitamin A can be applied during the same time of night. Right? For example, I apply vitamin C first, then I wait 15-30 minutes and apply vitamin A.

I  understand that I should probably just use Retin A on alternate nights of using vitamin C because Retin A  has been shown in scientific studies to have the most skin benefits, but I would like to find an alternative in which I can apply vitamin A & C around  the same time of night. Other forms of vitamin A converts 5 -10 % into Retin A when applied on the skin, which makes it a very weak Retin A, but some benefits is better than none (that's what I am telling myself).

I always figured that I should wait for vitamin c to be absorbed in the skin and I usually wait anywhere from 15 – 30 minutes before applying another product. Is that a sufficient amount of time?

Also, when will your Retin A be back in stock? I have been trying to purchase some just in case I needed it.

11

Dermarolling / Microneedling / Applying Vitamin A (Besides Retin A) after Vitamin C

« on: December 28, 2011, 08:09:09 PM »

Hi Sarah & everyone else,

I am really grateful that I discovered your website last year. I just wished I would have found your site sooner because I purchased a derma-roller from another vender which was expensive ($150) and it went blunt extremely fast (after 2 uses) and caused more harm than good to my skin. I am for certain that those needles were not medical grade steel. Fortunately, I discovered you a little while after doing tons of research on skin needling and I ended up purchasing not only a derma-roller, but a set of single needles, vitamin c, and Infadolan from your site for less than $50 last year. The low price isn’t what drives me…it’s just a perk. It’s your wealth of information supported by medical literature that I love. I really do enjoy the information that is given and I am more cautious on what products that I buy (I do my own research now and don’t get sucked in the hype as much as I use too). I’m sure you hear/read praises about you all of the time, but it is because there aren’t a lot of businesses that will be honest because they want to increase and not jeopardize their profit margin. It’s refreshing to locate a company that appears to have an opposite agenda.

Anyhow, the purpose of this post is to ask about the use of Retin A and vitamin C. I know that Retin A isn’t supposed to be applied right after applying vitamin C, but could different forms of vitamin A be applied such as retinol palmitate or retional acetate (which is more stable in products, but less irritating on the skin) after applying the vitamin C serum first? If not, please give me the reason why not. I remembered locating an acceptable answer, but I can’t find it anymore.

I also have a question about the pure vitamin C. Does it expire? If so, please provide an estimated date because I purchased it in June 2010. I could only locate information that stated that unbuffered, pure vitamin C has an expiration date of at least 2 years, but I wasn’t comfortable with the source.

I would be grateful if anyone with relevant info replied to the questions above. Thanks.